SOCCER fans are still trying to secure a club's future -- by fighting for their own place in the team.

Officials at Bury FC have been amazed by the response since they began auctioning a place in their first team squad to raise extra cash for the cash-strapped club.

Supporters have now raised the price to more than £3,500 and the figure is expected to go even higher before the auction ends in two months time.

Bury's website manager Gordon Sorfleet, who devised the auction, thanked fans for their support and urged them to keep the bids coming.

He said: "It's astonishing -- it has already passed the figure that I expected. I was hopeful for £1,000 but it looks as though it is going to go further than that."

The club was placed in administration two months ago after creditors demanded payment on a £1million mortgage.

The team has been relegated to Division Three following a tough season on and off the pitch and the collapse of ITV Digital, a major source of revenue for lower league clubs. Fans have already raised thousands by buying seats at the club for £10. Club memorabilia has been auctioned and officials are now looking at other ways of raising extra money.

High Court judges in Liverpool have extended the administration period until May 31, by which time it is hoped a takeover deal will have been completed to wipe out the Gigg Lane outfit's crippling debts.